Lock snapping accounts for around 8% of all UK burglaries and an accomplished thief can snap a lock in ten seconds. It requires no specialist knowledge or tools. But the good news is that this method of forced entry can be prevented, simply by replacing your lock.
Lock snapping is a technique burglars use to break open the cylinder of a euro-profile cylinder lock. It involves literally snapping the cylinder in half.
A euro-profile lock uses a single cylinder to connect both sides of the lock. It can be used for interior and external doors and is typically found on UPVC and composite doors, where you have a single key that locks the door from the inside and outside, or a thumbturn lock.
A burglar forces off the handle casing to expose the lock and cylinder. Using mole grips or similar, the burglar grips the cylinder and snaps it in two, pulling out the broken piece. The burglar can then insert a screwdriver to turn the lock mechanism and open the door.
It’s a quick way of getting a door open. If your existing lock is old, poor-quality or has worn down after years of use, it can take just a few seconds to break in.
But snapping is also one of the easiest methods to prevent.
While it’s obvious that a high-quality lock will provide better protection than a lower-quality one, that doesn’t mean you have to build a prison-style door to stop anyone unwanted gaining access.
Simply replacing your lock for one that’s anti-snap can stop a burglar in their tracks. A standard anti-snap cylinder isn’t expensive and includes a more robust defence against lock snapping.
Anti-snap cylinders feature ‘break’ lines. If force is applied to the cylinder, the lock snaps at the break line and not at the centre of the cylinder. Your door’s locking mechanism stays intact and the burglar has to find another way. You should still be able to unlock the door afterwards which means you can use the door while waiting on a locksmith to remove the existing lock and replace it.
And while nothing is foolproof, a burglar will always use the easiest option. If your home seems like too much of a challenge, a burglar will find somewhere easier.
Replacing the lock is only part of securing your home from burglars. If your lock hasn’t been fitted correctly, it might not withstand an attempt at forced entry. What’s more, an incorrectly fitted lock might mean you are not insured.
There are many step by step tutorials on how to replace a door lock yourself. But even with the most competent DIY skills you might find a lock that’s not been professionally installed invalidates your insurance.
And if that’s the case it likely applies to the whole house, including window locks as well as the back and front door locks.
It’s really not worth the risk, hire a professional.
Not only will a professional remove the old lock, they can also advise you on any other lock security issues they spot.
Having professional lock replacement can also reduce your insurance premiums.
The British Standards Institution (BSI) is the national standards body of the United Kingdom. It’s this organisation that produces the standards for many UK locks.
A BSI kitemark is a common standard of quality. Although voluntary, all locks that meet this standard will display the BSI Kitemark stamp.
There will also be a number attached to the kitemark, with different numbers representing differing standards of security and use:
TS007 is a high security standard for replacement lock cylinders and protective door furniture. This standard was developed in response to cylinder lock attacks and uses a three-star system, which includes the cylinder or a combination of cylinder and furniture, such as the door handle. Together they must achieve three stars to meet the minimum security requirements.
When looking at certain locks you might find logos for Secured by Design and Sold Secure in the product description.
Secured by Design is the official UK Police crime prevention initiative which accredits a wide range of products including home security and locks, as meeting certain quality standards.
Sold Secure is a testing and certification house to help reduce crime by the assessment of security products. Sold Secure is classified into four categories, Bronze, Silver and Gold and Diamond, the latter of which incorporates the cylinder testing of BS3621 and EN1303 as well as testing aimed at the lock snapping of cylinders.
Check your cylinder lock and see if it’s stamped with the right mark.
Look for:
Otherwise consider replacing your lock and get the best protection against snapping.
Fortunately, incidents of lock snapping are on the decrease from it’s 2011 high of nearly 16% of all burglaries. But it still occurs and if your lock is vulnerable, so is your property.
A quick swap for a lock that’s resistant to snap attacks can be the difference between someone getting into your home and them moving on to a property that’s less secure.
And it’s worth getting a professional involved. Replacing a lock might seem easy, and it can be straightforward, but getting it right can be tricky if you’re not sure what you need and how to measure up. You do see poorly fitted cylinders sticking out from doors – which make them even more vulnerable than when they sit flush to the door.
If you’re worried about your door locks, call us on 0330 108 4111. We can give you advice and a free quote. And more importantly, peace of mind.